River Pump Service: Built on Trust, Driven by Service
When River Group officially took over seven former Xylem workshops on May 1st, 2025 – five in Norway, two in Sweden – it marked more than just an expansion. It was a shift. From being a regional service provider, River Group is now a truly national player in Norway and a growing force in Sweden.
And just a few months in, the results speak for themselves.
A Strategic Fit. And a Fast Start
“We were approached by Xylem with a clear need: they were reorganising to focus on product sales, and needed a strong service partner they could trust,” says Thomas Andersson. “Frankly, it couldn’t have been a better fit. Service is our foundation. This is what we do best.”
The transition was smooth, fast and remarkably effective. All 45 employees were offered continued employment under River Group. All but one chose to stay. “That says a lot,” Thomas reflects. “And from day one, it was full speed ahead.”
The newly formed River Pump Service AS and AB now cover a wide geography, from Tromsø to Kristiansand in Norway, and from Örebro to Emmaboda in Sweden. “This gives us a stronger presence than before, and the chance to contribute on a broader scale,” Thomas adds. “We’re being noticed in the market, and we’re working hard to prove our value.”
Local Knowledge and Entrepreneurial Spirit
At the core of the success so far? The people.
“We’re not here to micromanage,” Thomas explains. “We’re here to enable. Our philosophy is built around trust in local expertise, and respect for entrepreneurial thinking. That approach creates real engagement, and real results.”
Frankly, it couldn’t have been a better fit.
This trust is felt on the ground, especially in Bodø, where Trond Inge Svendgard leads one of the smaller workshops, now with a stronger voice.“
In Xylem, we were one of the smaller units, often a bit out of sight in the bigger picture,” Trond Inge says. “Now, in River Group, we feel much closer to the centre. We’re seen, we’re heard and that makes a real difference.”
New Doors Opened
The move to River Group wasn’t just about maintaining operations.It’s created new opportunities, both internally and in the market.
“We’ve already started collaborating across River Group companies,” Trond Inge shares. “And for the first time, we’re seeing into the financial side of our operations. That transparency helps us grow, not just as a business, but as professionals.”
It also enabled expansion into new geographies and customer groups where River Group had not previously been active.
“This is organic access we wouldn’t have gained otherwise,” Thomas says. “And it creates real synergies for us and the entire group.”
A Partnership Built on Trust
Despite no longer being part of Xylem, the partnership is alive and well.
“We still work closely with Xylem,” says Thomas. “They supply us, and we deliver services back. It’s a true win-win and a model for how modern partnerships can work.”
And for employees like Trond Inge, that continuity, paired with new autonomy, has made all the difference.
“This gave us a new spark,” he says. “Now we’re not just part of the machine, we are the machine. And that makes you want to prove that service is not just necessary, it’s great business.”
Looking Ahead
With newly appointed operational leaders now in place, Sulejman Hrustanovic as MD in Sweden and Robert Sørensen in Norway, River Pump Service is well positioned for the next phase.
“There’s still a lot to do,” Thomas says. “But the foundation is strong. The energy is high. And we’re proud of what’s already been achieved.”
Quick Facts:
• 7 workshops acquired (5 in Norway, 2 in Sweden)
• 45 employees integrated into River Group
• Operating under: River Pump Service AS (NO) and River Pump Service AB (SE)
• Nationwide service coverage across Norway
• New market access: municipal customers, seafood industry
• First collaborations already active across River Group companies